Thanks.
So, looking to expand on my range of buildings for Normandy, I have decided to bite the bullet and look at some of the growing range of printed models available. I admit to being a bit particular about cast resin with nearly all of mine currently being by TotalBattle Miniatures….but they haven’t released anything new in……forever!
Much as I would prefer them in printed resin, for the cheapest option, pla prints are readily available and I’ve zeroed in on Highlands3D prints. I bought this damaged house, to see exactly how the print would come out, because if successful, there was an intact version of the same available plus a few others I liked the look of.
I’m happy to report I’m actually relatively impressed with it. For many, it could be painted up exactly as is. It’s a clean print with lots of detail. On the back of that alone, I have ordered the intact version plus two other models.
However, I think to be just that little bit happier with it, I do think in my mind at least, it could be slightly enhanced.
For one thing, the intact version has plaster work damage in the exact same places as this damaged one. Fine if all I intended to do was to swap it out when damage occurs….but I want to be able to terrace them and have both on the table. That should hopefully be a simple case of replastering wall areas with a little filler. This would also mask a few print lines and give a more natural finish me thinks. That is presuming of course the filler will adhere to the pla?
There are also the inevitable areas of the print, where the designer is trying to convey rough or irregular finishes say to damaged stone / lintels etc.
Inevitably, this is where you seem to see the most obvious print lines. Some suggest sanding, but I’m dubious as each time I’ve tried, it tends to simply lift whole lines. It may work but I think I may try adding either a little plaster or fine sand to mask the lines.
Then there is the irregular flooring. For some reason, the print again becomes too obvious in areas. But that’s the easiest fix of all me thinks. I will simply mask it with another layer of added detritus in the form of bits of fallen timber, brick dust and rubble.
Anyway, looking forward to having a play once the others arrive.
For me, they score more highly than the laser cut mdf houses. If I had the patience and skills, they can look fantastic, as witnessed by Jamies houses in many of this threads battle reports, but I am a big fan of the raised detailing and more robust looking structure of resin buildings, with these prints starting to show more promise in that department. Hopefully, with minimal tinkering, I will be happy with the results. Time will see.
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April 23, 2024, 11:04:07 PM
June 23, 2007, 02:25:16 PM